By Iris Edén Santiago
Special to The Star
Fashionistas born in Latin America and the Caribbean grow up admiring and loving two names, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. These two visionaries created labels that became global powerhouses respected by critics and jetsetters all over the world. Their designs, worn by best dressed women, royals and celebrities for decades, are very elegant, very high end and oh so wearable.
De la Renta died in 2014 and in 2018 Herrera stepped down as creative director of her brand. That meant skeptical followers like myself doubted the companies they founded could survive or even evolve with the same elegance, glamour and style.
Since then and for the most part, the labels have been putting out collections that while not reflecting exactly the founder’s point of view, have attracted new followers, a younger audience that loves the new silhouettes and aesthetics. That said, Carolina Herrera’s recent show in Rio de Janeiro was fantastic. Just this week Carolina Herrera designer Wes Gordon presented a collection so inspired, feminine and fresh that critics are still going crazy praising his creativity.
The Resort 2024 Runway show, held for the first time outside of New York, is really unique. The label describes the new Herrera woman as having a reinforced spirit of relaxed confidence. Streamlined, body-conscious silhouettes are prevalent. The house notes state that the garments blur the lines between casual and dressy, day and night. A fabulous piece is right for any occasion.
We love the color combinations, the stripes, the florals, but more than anything the blurred floral patterns in bright colors modeled with bold accessories in black and white polka dots. To me, that is the heart of the collection. Dotted heels, pumps, wide belts and oversized sun hats in black and white, and green and white, worn with ruffled floral blouses, long sarong skirts, tight sundresses, hooded bomber jackets and striped tops. Kudos for the crochet tank top and skirt in orange, the cropped boleros over candy colored bralettes and the strapless tent dress.
My favorite look, the classic Carolina Herrera white button down collared shirt. This time worn with a long hip-hugging full skirt in thin blue stripes, a black crochet midi, and a short sequined mini skirt in bright colors.